Financial relief is available to eligible seafood dealers and processors, ocean fishing piers, for-hire fishing operations, and bait and tackle shops affected by 2018’s Hurricane Florence through the Federally Funded Fishery Disaster Relief Program.
The North Carolina Division of Marine Fisheries will accept applications either by mail or delivered in-person to its Morehead City office until 5 p.m. April 18. Applications and supporting documentation that are submitted after the deadline will not be considered.
Sponsor Spotlight
North Carolina has been allocated a net amount of $7,589,618 from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to assist in the economic recovery of losses and damage caused by Hurricane Florence through direct payments to qualified participants.
The division mailed applications to eligible licensed seafood dealers, ocean fishing piers and for-hire fishing operations. Seafood processors and bait and tackle shops can access the application through the division’s Economic Relief Programs webpages or at a division office.
Applicants will be required to complete the application, affidavit, NC Substitute W-9, and must provide supporting materials that document revenue loss and property damage such as estimates, receipts, bank statements, reports, personal trip tickets and proof-of-loss documentation.
Applications and supporting documentation must be delivered in person to the division Headquarters Office at 3441 Arendell St., Morehead City or mailed to the N.C. Division of Marine Fisheries, Hurricane Relief Program, P.O. Box 769, Morehead City, NC 28557. Applications and supporting documentation will not be accepted at other division offices.
Financial payouts will be based on the loss of revenue for September, October and November 2018 relative to the previous three-year revenue average during the same time period, along with damage caused by Hurricane Florence.
Sponsor Spotlight
Commercial fishermen and aquaculture operations were compensated by the State Funded Hurricane Florence Relief Program and are not eligible to apply for this program unless they are also a member of an eligible stakeholder group.
For questions regarding the spending plan or the program, contact NCDMF staff at Hurricanerelief@ncdenr.gov or 252-503-3091.
